Even practice excites Rivers

With his health at 100 percent and all of his offensive weapons returning, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks forward to every chance to get on the field.

Casey Pearce

Posted May 13, 2009

Last week in an interview with XTRA Sports 1360, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers described his offseason as “chill,” an adjective he couldn’t use the last two springs as he worked his way back from injuries to his foot and knee, respectively.

“I think the one thing that’s been a lot better is not having to rehab,” Rivers said. “The injuries the past two offseasons have made it not very much fun the first couple of months. That was good to be able to enjoy February and do some working out, running around.”

With his health in tact, Rivers was able to enjoy some down time before getting back to work. He spent nearly a month with family in his home state of Alabama and returned to San Diego just in time for the Chargers’ offseason conditioning program. He along with Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst have also taken part in impromptu throwing sessions with the team’s skill players.

The real fun for Rivers, who set a team record with 34 touchdown passes last fall, begins next week as the team kicks off its Offseason Coaching Sessions. Rivers, along with a handful of his teammates who were still recovering form injuries this time a year ago, is looking forward to an OCS period in which he’s at full strength and able to do everything.

“You get back here and get excited,” Rivers said. “It’s fun to get back going. The fact that we’re so healthy, it helps in many different ways.”

The Chargers return 10 offensive starters from a year ago as well as all of their key reserves. That continuity and the camaraderie that goes with it add to Rivers’ enthusiasm.

“In that locker room, everybody is in their same spot and everything looks the same,” Rivers said. “We’re all comfortable with one another. Guys are hungry and we’re excited. The attendance has been unbelievable with just the lifting and running. Now we get going and that gets guys even more excited that the season is right around the corner.”